People will no longer [insert any verb here]

This is probably one of the most common phrases spoken when discussing AI and the impact on society and economic activity. It is also a misguided train of thought.

There's no doubt that (Generative) AI will change the world, and it already has, even if we haven't noticed it. In fact, everyone with a computer or smartphone has used AI already, either directly or indirectly.

Let's try some.

People will no longer write letters.

Of course they will, but what they write and how they write will be influenced by AI in one way or another.

People will no longer read books.

Of course they will, but what they read and how they read will be influenced by AI in one way or another.

People will no longer search the web.

They will, but likely indirectly through the use of an AI agent.

And so on (and so on and so on).

The question is not whether people will continue to do these things, but how they will be done.

And this is where the opportunities are: understanding what problems people face and how AI can help resolve them better.